5 Myths About Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast cancer is one of the most known cancers spoken about, yet there is still false information regarding treatment. After the initial shock of a breast cancer diagnosis, women have to think about the different treatment options.
The importance of making these decisions is accurate information about breast cancer treatment. With early detection and treatment advances, millions of women successfully recover from breast cancer. Here are five of the most common myths and the truth about breast cancer treatment.
Myth 1: All breast cancer is treated the same.
Treatment plans are created specifically for your needs to target the cancer cells and reduce the risk of breast cancer returning. There are so many factors to consider when creating a treatment plan specifically for your situation, such as the stage of cancer, location, and size. You and your physician will evaluate your overall medical condition to make treatment decisions for your unique situation.
Myth 2: A breast cancer diagnosis means you will lose your breast.
Everyone with breast cancer does not have to undergo a complete surgical operation to remove the breast (mastectomy). Depending on the degree to which the tumor has spread, there are many effective ways and different types of breast-conserving surgeries possible. Women with early-stage breast cancer can have surgical removal of the tumor (lumpectomy) or a partial mastectomy. Other breast-conserving options may be chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy to shrink tumors. Your oncologist will plan the most effective treatment for you based on your preferences, health history, and family history.
Myth 3: Cancer surgery causes cancer to spread.
According to the American Cancer Society, the risk for surgery to cause cancer to spread is extremely low. With more detailed imaging tests and advancements in the equipment used during surgery, the risk is very rare. Be sure to discuss your treatment details with your physician, who can inform you of any possible dangers.
Myth 4: The radiation in mammograms causes breast cancer.
Mammograms, an X-ray of the breast, contain small doses of radiation. We are exposed to background radiation in our daily lives. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the radiation dosage from a mammogram is equal to two months of background radiation. A mammogram is safe, and the risk of harm from radiation exposure is very low.
A mammography is a screening tool that is highly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Mammography Quality and Standards Act, and other governing organizations.
Mammograms help detect early signs of breast cancer for less aggressive treatments and a higher rate of survival.
Myth 5: Everyone diagnosed with breast cancer dies.
Many women survive breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, in the United States, there are more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors. Early detection of breast cancer through screening, better treatments, and increased awareness of breast cancer increases the number of survivors.
Statistically, about 90 percent of women live five or more years after diagnosis of breast cancer, depending on the stage of cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Several myths about breast cancer treatment can cause anxiety and stress for those diagnosed with breast cancer. Knowing the truth and debunking myths can help you become more knowledgeable about treatments and make more informed decisions.
When it comes to making treatment decisions, it’s not easy. But your physician and medical team will be with you to support you throughout the entire process.
Schedule Your Next Breast Health Screening with Dr. Gore today!
If you have any questions regarding breast cancer treatment and would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gore, contact North Atlanta Breast Care today!
Disclaimer: This article is not a substitution for seeking medical attention.